New York Casinos

TYPES OF CASINOS IN NEW YORK STATE

There are four different types of casinos in New York: regular Class III casinos (such as those found in Nevada and New Jersey); Class III Indian casinos; Class II Indian casinos; and pari-mutuel casinos. There are some distinct differences among these New York casinos and they are explained below.

Make sure you keep checking in to keep track of any new casinos in New York.

The minimum gambling age is 21 at the three Seneca casinos and 18 at the other two casinos. No public information is available concerning the payback percentages on any gaming machines in New York’s Indian casinos.

INDIAN CASINOS (Class II)

There are some Indian casinos that offer Class II gambling which consist of electronic gaming machines which look like slot machines, but are actually games of bingo and the spinning video reels are for “entertainment purposes only.” No public information is available concerning the payback percentages on the video gaming machines.

The terms of the compact between the tribes and the state allow table games and slot machines, including video keno and video poker. These machines do not pay out in cash. In­stead, they print out a receipt which must be exchanged for cash. All casinos also offer a cashless system whereby you have to go to a cashier cage, or a kiosk, get a “smart” card and deposit money to that card’s account. The machines will then deduct losses from, or credit wins to, your account. Additionally, after playing don’t forget to cash out because all remaining credits on cards will be forfeited at the end of the day.

PARI-MUTUEL CASINOS

In October 2001, legislation was passed to allow for the introduction of slot machine-type video lottery machines at New York racetracks. Officially referred to as Video Gaming Machines (VGM’s), they are regulated by the New York State Lottery Division.

All VGM’s offer standard slot machine-type games, plus keno in denominations from five cents to $10. The machines all accept cash but do not pay out in cash. They print a receipt which must be taken to a cashier.

The VGM’s do not operate like regular slot machines. Instead, they are similar to scratch-off-type lottery tickets with a pre-determined number of winners.

The legislation authorizing the VGM’s states, “the specifications for video lottery gaming shall be designed in such a manner as to pay prizes that average no less than ninety percent of sales.”

If you are looking for casinos in Manhattan, then you will be disappointed. But, there is one in a neighboring borough. It is Resorts World Casino New York City and it is located in Queens.

All Video Gaming Machine facilities are allowed to be open for 20 hours and day, with varying hours. Some are open 8am-4am, some are open 9am-5am, etc. and all are non-smoking. Please call to confirm hours if necessary. Admission is free to all facilities and the minimum gambling age is 18 for playing VGM’s, as well as for pari-mutuel betting.

For more information on visiting New York call the state’s travel information center at (800) 225-5697 or go to: www.iloveny.com.

Canadian Casinos

If you are traveling to the Buffalo area there are two nearby Canadian casinos just across the border in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

All winnings are paid in Canadian currency and the minimum gambling age is 19. Both casinos are open 24 hours and offer the following games: blackjack, Spanish 21, craps, baccarat, mini-baccarat, pai-gow poker, Caribbean stud poker, three-card poker and let it ride. These casinos are listed below: